[Gdeaver]

WE have used fiberglass pultrusions in the past. They're off the self and inexpensive. We used 6 OZ plain weave carbon and amine epoxy to make a large pulley for the arm. Again, the raw materials are affordable and we provide the labor. Most carbon is custom made for the application. If you include the set up cost for a custom tube you'll find that it's a budget buster. If I were a first inspector I would pay close attention to invoices for carbon structures. As far as safety, RT curing epoxy is relatively safe, but some people are allergic to amine epoxies in the uncured state. Prepeg materials are different. Some prepeg epoxies are very toxic in the uncured state. I would not want students laying up prepegs in the shop. So yes you can use composites, But your team should look at the health, safety, and cost issues before committing to use them.